Botswana

Botswana is one of Africa’s last pristine lands and offers its visitors beautiful scenery and prolific big game in equal measure - from the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta, to the shimmering white saltpans of the Makgadikgadi; the majestic baobab trees of the Kalahari or the elephants drinking at dusk from the Chobe river.

Malawi

Mauritius

The tropical gardens and infinity pools of chic luxury resorts in Mauritius give way to dazzling sands lapped by azure waters. Holidays to Mauritius offers five star hospitality, a melting pot of cultures and idyllic tropical scenery.

Lake Manyara

Sometimes pink-tinged with the wings of migratory flamingos, Lake Manyara is home to pelicans and many other aquatic bird species.

Lake Manyara National Park

From whichever way you approach this hauntingly beautiful soda lake, your first view of Lake Manyara is spectacular. From Arusha & Tarangire side, the sheer red cliffs of the Rift Valley wall rise several hundred metres to form an impressive backdrop. But from the west on the top of the escarpment, the park lies far below – a long green strip of water glistening in the sunlight.

The Lake Manyara National Park covers an area of 330 sq km of which two-thirds is the lake itself. The lake starred in the film Out of Africa. (Remember the famous scene when the two lovers fly over the escarpment in a small plane?) The rest is a mix of vegetation, open savanna, shady forest glades and fresh water streams.

Bird-watching at Lake Manyara

However for the keen birder, Lake Manyara is one of the most rewarding bird-watching experiences in Tanzania with 380 species recorded. Sometimes pink-tinged with the wings of flamingos, Lake Manyara is home to pelicans and many other aquatic bird species. Here you’ll see herons, egrets, spoonbills and other waders. Plus the evergreen forests close to the escarpment give rewarding sightings of silver-cheeked hornbills, crowned eagles and even the comical guinea owl.

Wildlife in Lake Manyara

It is is well-known for its unique ground-water forest and famous tree-climbing lions. (Though these are seldom seen). However this compact, attractive park has plenty of other wildlife including elephant, buffalo, impala, zebra, hippo and giraffes aplenty. Other notable sighting are baboons in huge numbers. Enjoy watching troops of up to 200 individuals all playing and interacting with each other.

How to visit Lake Manyara?

Lake Manyara Park is only about 1½ hours drive from Arusha. So it is often visited en route between Arusha or the Tarangire Park and the Ngorongoro crater. You can also use the Ngorongoro area as a base for a few nights and visit from there (only 1 hour away).

In the summer months, it is rewarding from a birding point of view. But, given its accessibility, it does get busy with day visitors during the peak season (dry winter months).

Treetop Canopy Walk

A new activity is a guided walkway through the forest canopy where you can have a bird-eye view of the forest fauna and birdlife. See more below…

United Kingdom

South Africa

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